This program requires access to a computer and Internet connectivity with specifications beyond the minimum requirements for most SIRLS courses. The hands-on technology exercises assigned in DigIn courses cannot be completed using open access computers (e.g. library computers or other public computers). Additionally, we strongly discourage the use of a work computer for DigIn, due to technical barriers and problems associated with computer and network administration that are often beyond students' control.

Before registering for a DigIn course, please read the technical requirements below to make sure you have the necessary hardware, software and network connectivity. If you have questions about technical requirements, please contact the instructor.
 

Prerequisites

Some DigIn courses will require you to download and install programs and updates, configure hardware and software, create simple Web pages and learn how to manage software environments that may be unfamiliar to you.

There are no formal prerequisites for the certificate program, but you should be familiar with the World Wide Web and personal computers, and you should already be reasonably proficient at finding resources on the Web and performing routine tasks using word processors and spreadsheets. You should feel comfortable with your current operating system (e.g. Windows or Mac OS) and know how to create and organize files and folders, install and configure peripherals such as printers and other hardware devices, and do basic troubleshooting when problems occur.

Technology Requirements for courses IRLS672 and IRLS675

You will need at least one computer and a couple of accessories for this course. Read the following section carefully to see what you need to acquire and what you probably already have. Although you may need to purchase some hardware, the cost should not be burdensome or significantly more than you might expect to spend on books and course packs for traditional graduate professional courses. At least two weeks prior to the start of the program, you should contact the instructor and provide a list of the equipment you propose to use. As a matter of policy, we do not recommend particular brands, and a wide variety of equipment will be satisfactory. If you have questions about any particular item, especially ones you might need to purchase, your instructor will be happy to review your selections and suggest options.

The first computer you need will be the computer you probably already have. We'll call this your host computer. It may be either a Windows machine (Windows XP or Vista/Win7) or an Intel-based Mac (OS-X ). Older versions of the Mac running the PowerPC chip will not work nor will older versions of the Windows operating system. The software we will use won’t run on older versions of these platforms. This computer must be reliable. We will install virtualization software on it that will allow you to create one or more virtual computers running the Linux operating system, so you must have administrator rights on your computer. You should already have or be able to install plug-ins such as Flash and Java. You’ll also need recent versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari as your web browser.

Because many of the resources we will use are large (up to 1GB downloads, and more in some cases), you MUST HAVE reliable BROADBAND connectivity to your Internet service provider. Most cable or DSL connections will be adequate. Download speeds of one megabit or more are preferred. Slower connections will lengthen the time it takes to acquire the necessary files. Standard telephone-based modem connectivity will not be a practical way to acquire the necessary files.

You will need adequate disk space to install some new software on your production computer. If you don’t have at least 20GB of free disk space, you may need to consider acquiring a second hard drive, either internal or USB external. You should also have adequate RAM to run multiple programs. You will need a minimum of 1GB RAM for Mac and Windows XP systems, and 2GB RAM for Windows Vista/7 systems. Depending on individual configurations, you may need to install more than these minimums.

Technology Requirements - Optional practice computer

Most students complete the class satisfactorily on the host computer (your primary computer) previously described. You may OPTIONALLY elect to acquire a second computer to install a working copy of Linux and other software. Many students find that working with a second practice computer enhances the hands-on learning experience. However, you ARE NOT REQUIRED to have a practice computer. Details will be provided once class starts.

Technology Requirements - Home Networking

The last thing you’ll need is an inexpensive home router available from any consumer electronics superstore or on the web. You probably already have one if you have wireless networking and/or multiple computers set up at your home. The router connects to your existing cable or DSL modem and allows multiple computers to access the same Internet connection as well as communicate with each other. We will cover the specifics once class starts.